Technology

EPISODE 19: Telecoms: What’s in the News Today?

By Adenike Pedro

  • Ghana approves AT Ghana–Telecel merger to stabilise finances and boost competition.
  • Bangladesh’s BTRC rolls out new rules to improve telecom service quality.
  • Nigeria launches Project BRIDGE to expand fibre internet nationwide.
  • T2 Mobile signs major partnerships with Knot Solutions and Huawei for recovery.
  • Indus Towers enters Africa’s telecom market with operations in Nigeria, Uganda, and Zambia.

Government Approves Merger of AT Ghana and Telecel Ghana to Strengthen Competition

The Government of Ghana has approved the merger of AT Ghana (formerly AirtelTigo) and Telecel Ghana, in a move designed to stabilise the company’s finances and create a stronger competitor in the telecom market.

The Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations explained that AT Ghana’s mounting losses had become a burden on the state, making government intervention necessary. At a staff engagement in Accra, Minister Samuel Nartey George assured employees that the merger would not affect job security. He stressed that the process was not a fresh application but a continuation of existing contracts.

AT Ghana has reportedly lost over $10 million in the first eight months of 2025 alone. The 2024 State Ownership Report had also flagged the company’s fragile financial position, underscoring the urgency of a solution.

The merger is expected to boost competition, improve efficiency, and enhance service delivery in Ghana’s telecom sector. Industry stakeholders are optimistic that this strategic move will help turn around AT Ghana’s fortunes while strengthening the overall market landscape.

BTRC Introduces New Rules to Improve Telecom Service Quality in Bangladesh

The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has rolled out new Quality of Service (QoS) regulations to address widespread complaints about poor telecom services.

Under the new policy, all operators must answer customer care calls within 90 seconds and deliver a minimum 4G internet speed of 10 Mbps. Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, special assistant to the Chief Adviser, announced the reforms via a Facebook post on August 31, noting that the policy followed both expert consultations and strong public demand for better services.

The new benchmarks, approved at a recent BTRC meeting, are intended to hold operators accountable and improve consumer confidence. Operators are expected to comply swiftly or face penalties.

As digital connectivity becomes increasingly central to daily life in Bangladesh, the policy marks a decisive step towards better customer service and higher quality communication infrastructure.

Nigeria Launches Project BRIDGE to Expand Fibre Internet Nationwide

Nigeria has launched Project BRIDGE, an ambitious multi-billion-dollar plan to deploy 90,000 km of fibre optic cable across the country—making it the largest fibre backbone investment ever in a developing nation.

Led by the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy in partnership with private investors and development financiers, the project seeks to deliver high-speed, open-access broadband to both urban and rural areas, advancing digital inclusion nationwide.

Alongside this rollout, the government has introduced the Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure Order 2024 (CNII) to curb vandalism of telecom assets. Dr. Aminu Maida, CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and industry leaders from ALTON and ATCON expressed optimism that these measures will safeguard infrastructure and ensure sustainability.

Project BRIDGE is expected to revolutionise Nigeria’s connectivity landscape, protect critical infrastructure, and position the country for deeper participation in the global digital economy.

T2 Mobile Strikes Strategic Partnerships to Drive Transformation.

T2 Mobile (formerly 9mobile) has announced two major partnerships as part of its turnaround plan.

The first is a multi-million-dollar collaboration with India’s Knot Solutions to overhaul its business and operations support systems (BSS/OSS), critical for streamlining operations. The second, signed just a week earlier, is a network upgrade deal with technology giant Huawei.

These moves form part of T2 Mobile’s four-phase recovery strategy: stabilisation, modernisation, transformation, and growth. Industry watchers say the partnerships could improve efficiency, boost customer experience, and strengthen T2’s competitive position.

With these strategic alliances, T2 Mobile is signalling a renewed commitment to recovery and growth, aiming to secure its place in Nigeria’s fast-evolving telecom market.

Indus Towers Expands into Africa’s Telecom Infrastructure Market

Indus Towers Limited, India’s largest telecom tower provider and a 50% subsidiary of Bharti Airtel, has announced its entry into African markets, beginning with Nigeria, Uganda, and Zambia.

CEO Prachur Sah described the expansion as a significant step in diversifying revenue, scaling operations, and creating long-term value. The company intends to leverage its expertise in cost-efficient tower solutions to meet Africa’s growing demand for telecom infrastructure.

This move aligns with Indus Towers’ partnership with Bharti Airtel, which already has a strong presence in Africa. With mobile penetration and digital services expanding rapidly across the continent, Indus Towers is positioning itself to become a key enabler of Africa’s digital growth.

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Tunde Alade

Tunde is a political Enthusiast who loves using technology to impact his immediate community by providing accurate data and news items for the good of the country.

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